Arsenal v Manchester City

On Sunday afternoon, Arsenal host Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium, with both teams hoping to kick-off their Premier League campaigns with a win.

For the first time in 22 years, a new man is in the Arsenal dugout at the start of a Premier League campaign after Unai Emery was appointed as the successor to long-serving Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.

The Spaniard along with director of football Sven Mislintat have been busy strengthening the Gunners squad, with the signings of Bernd Leno, Sokratis, Lucas Torreira and Mateo Guendouzi.

The team from north London ended last season in mixed fashion, as they won three and lost three of their last six league games.

However, the Gunners are strong at the Emirates Stadium, as the north London have won their last five games on home soil. A key to those home wins has been their attacking prowess, as the Gunners have scored at least two goals in nine of their last ten league outings on home soil.

Manchester City were in a league of their own last season in the Premier League, winning the title and breaking record after record. The Citizens will be even stronger this season after signing Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez from Leicester City.

Pep Guardiola’s side ended last season by recording five wins in six games. The Citizens also scored at least two goals in seven of their last nine matches.

The champions were impressive away from home in the Premier League, winning their last six league games on their travels, including a 3-0 win at Arsenal. The visitors have also scored at least two goals in five of their last six away games in the top-flight.

Team News

Arsenal will be without defender Sead Kolasinac, while Nacho Monreal and Aaron Ramsey are fitness doubts. New signings Leno, Sokratis and Torreira are expected to make their debuts.

City are without Danilo and Eliaquim Mangala through injury, while David Silva is a fitness doubt. Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling have only just returned to training after the World Cup so are unlikely to figure. New signing Riyad Mahrez should make his Citizens debut.

Match Prediction

Arsenal are strong on home soil, but City blew the Gunners away on their last visit last season. I can see this game being a closer one though, with Guardiola’s side recording a narrow win in a high scoring encounter.